Off to an ugly 0-2 start last season, the New York Giants' coach was on the hot seat and the team's quarterback was facing questions about his ability that had dogged him throughout his career. All of that made the club's stunning run to the Super Bowl title all the more remarkable...
They almost didn't make the playoffs last year, and won the whole thing. The Giants bring back plenty of talent although Michael Strahan has retired and Jeremy Shockey is off to New Orleans. Eli Manning is a different quarterback, confident and solidly the offensive leader. Brandon Jacobs spearhead a running back by committee approach that seems to work in NY for some reason. The defense will still get after the quarterback, and the Giants have a mental toughness that is unmatched by any other team, including the vaunted Patriots...
Its not often you see a team picking last have a really good draft, but the Giants did very well, they locked in on FS Kenny Phillips early on and didn't stray...
Eli Manning finally proved that he is more than just Peytons little brother. He led his team to the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Sure, the spread was bigger when the Patriots upset the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, but the spread is just a number. This years Pats were supposed to be the first team since the 72 Dolphins to go undefeated. The Giants werent supposed to make the playoffs...